Find me on FaceBook for updates!

Hello my lovely party-planners! While I'm now even more busy than ever before (who knew this was possible?!) I'll be strictly updating my FaceBook Page only for a little while. I appreciate all the support and am having a blast with my now 3-month old babe Hudson...the love of my life!

Be sure to find me on FaceBook here and Like me to follow along. xoxo Renée

Dream Weddings...great deals!

Did you know that everyone's favourite "great deals" site Groupon now organizes some deals into special occasions categories? They have now organized related deals into a "Dream Weddings" page. Think spa visits, dream vacations, labels for your favours, photo albums...all at a fraction of their original price. Check out the latest great buys for those heading down the aisle and be sure to pass this along to your favourite engaged couple today!

Click here for the details and let the savings begin!

xoxo

A MUST for your favourite babes!

Do you have a Baby Shower coming up, or are you welcoming any new babes into the world? Then you have to check out "Tilly & Toots" Taggy Blankets. These gorgeous one-of-a-kind blankets feature beautiful and modern cotton patterns on one side and super soft snuggly minky fabric on the other. The edges are flagged by layered tags to stimulate baby's senses. They're a perfect size to carry everywhere baby goes too!

I have the above Apple Harvest pattern for my little monkey and I love the Fruit Salad pattern too.

Happy Shopping - head to "Tilly & Toots" here.
xoxo

Say "Cheese!"

Looking for a fun way to capture memories of your guests at your next special event? Photo Booth Rentals are continuing to grow in popularity and it's no surprise really...they're so much fun!

At a wedding I attended this summer, the photo booth was set up in a back corner of the room, so as not to distract from the other decor and elegance of the event. It also had a treasure chest of props for guests to wear as well when getting their pictures taken - now who can resist wigs, glasses, beaks and hats? Both young and old were having a blast in there all night (...the open bar helped people loosen up a little too I'm sure!) The best part was that the machine printed out two sets of each photo grouping so you could leave one copy with the bride and groom for their scrapbook and keep one copy for yourself.

Who doesn't love to look at pictures of themselves, honestly?! I have kept these pictures on my fridge and they still make me laugh daily!

I thought of this today as there is a Two-Hour Photo Booth Rental up for grabs on Ottawa's Living Social deals. Check it out here for all the fine print.

Enjoy!

Welcome to Ottawa David's!

Well, well, well...Ottawa has moved up in the world! (Remember the excitement city-wide when Old Navy and Forever 21 came to town?!!!) Now, we have finally also secured Canada's fourth chain of David's Bridal boutiques. The new store is located at The Ottawa Trainyards and has everything you need for your bridal party or prom. Be sure to plan a day with your favourite ladies and check this store out!

To get a head start, check out their website before you go here.

Check out the full story from CTV News here.

Not your average CHEESEcake!

I'm starting to see these talked about more and more and thought I better share the idea with those of you planning any special event this year: It's a Cheesecake!

Literally, a cake made with layers of cheese wheels!!! No, this does not have to replace a wedding cake or baby shower cake, but can complement any food table set out for guests as a cheesy twist on a cheese platter. Think about how your guests would appreciate some brie and grapes while dancing at midnight or playing games at a Stag & Doe. You can make it funky with coloured cheese such as blue, or printed rind cheese. Add ribbon, fruit or flowers to really dress it up and follow whatever theme you have planned.

Being a cheese-lover, this idea is a must on my list of haves at my next gathering...I just wish I could have a layered cheesecake in the fridge waiting for me at all times!

Beautiful Bouquets & Inspiring Decor Ideas

I couldn't resist passing this link along to you today - check out the Hot Bouquet Styles of 2012 on Weddingbells.ca

This bouquet above is my absolute favourite...I just want to eat it up! The combination of textures and soft and dark colours is stunning. So I just had to check out the creative stylist and stumbled upon JL Designs. Now operating out of Orange County, California, this floral and event designer (Carissa Jones) has quite the clientele list. Check out her site for more inspiring floral arrangements as well as decor ideas for any special event.

Be sure to click on her Picture Gallery for an insane number of gorgeous pictures from weddings and special events. Her perfectly staged and sunny pictures and venues are helping me forget all about the freezing rain falling here in Ottawa this morning! Hope you enjoy them too!

Inspiring Canadian Venues to Consider...or Copy!

Sorry for the delay in posting to this site my faithful friends...with three weeks to go before the arrival of my first little bundle of joy, I have become someone I hardly recognize anymore, someone who lets things slide (...dishes, laundry, blog posts...LOL!) I didn't even get around to my Christmas shopping or decorating until the 24th!

I am coming back strong; however, with some inspiring and Canadian venues that you can consider for your up-coming nuptials. If you can't get to the locations, take note of the decor and themes that you can likely recreate no matter where you may be. I am posting pics of my three favourites; one being only 35 minutes from Ottawa.

The first really drew me in with the flowing fabric ceiling and natural, understated centrepieces. I love outdoor tents, but the draping of the fabric truly creates a more romantic and intimate feeling in this one. If you're in British Colombia, check out the Hart House Restaurant in Barnaby for the "ultimate in West Coast elegance!"

Just East of Ottawa, you will find the Beantown Ranch - a gorgeous and rustic local for nature-lovers out there. Check out their wedding slideshow here.

Finally, what could be more fun for you and your guests than hosting your event in a brewery?!!! The Steamwhistle Brewery is smack-dab in the middle of downtown Toronto and offers that urban, modern vibe that can easily be transformed to fit your theme and colours. Lots of windows, dark wood and beer...just add flowers, lights and a little colour and you're good to go! I am so looking forward to attending a wedding here in the Spring...I'll keep you posted!

To check out WeddingBells.ca other 22 Stunning Real Wedding Venues, click here and get inspired!

Shower her with Diamonds!

I saw this super cute gift at a little kitchen store in the Eaton Centre in Toronto and thought I better snap a pic and share it - what a great shower gift it would make (along with something from her registry of course!)

I mean, really, what would make your cookies taste better than having their ingredients measured in diamonds!!!

If you're hosting the event, be sure to order one of these fabulous Silicone Diamond Ice Cube makers.

I found this one when shopping in Scottsdale, AZ this summer and had to pick it up (just in case!) My favourite U.S. kitchen store, Sur la Table, also carries diamond-shaped cookie cutters...you could go theme crazy with this one ladies!

xoxo

Make Your Bridesmaids' Wallets Smile!

Wanna make your bridesmaids the happiest of all at your wedding this year? Then you have to check out these eight gorgeous styles of bridesmaids dresses, on WeddingBells.ca, all priced at under $100 (some well under!)

What I really like about them, besides the prices, is that they don't scream "BRIDESMAID," rather they look like elegant and fun party dresses and could easily be worn to another event. I know, I know, brides will always try to convince their bridesmaids that they can wear the dresses again, but in this case, I do believe it!

So check them out HERE and send the link to your girlfriends today!

REMINDER: Ottawa Wedding Show this weekend!

Just a friendly reminder to those planning their nuptials anytime soon (or in the near future). Head down to the Ottawa Convention Centre for their annual Fall Wedding Palace Bridal Show. It's this Saturday and Sunday (September 10th and 11th). There are tonnes of exhibitors, fashion shows and prizes too. Even if you're not interested in talking to anyone, go just to get ideas: the displays are usually striking!!!

Why not make a day of it and have a nice lunch or dinner downtown afterwards, just because! I give you permission ;)

Enjoy and click HERE for more info!

Snap, crackle and pop!

Just got back from a fun trip to Florida with a girlfriend and had to share this pic with you. I love rice krispie squares so much...that when I saw this cake, I thought "genius!"...and "Why haven't I thought of this before?" I have seen rice krispies used on Cake Boss on TLC has a great agent for building huge intricate-looking cakes, but as the cake itself, what a yummy idea!

Although it may not be elegant enough for a wedding, I think it would be cute for Birthdays and Showers, and of course Bachelorette Parties too (I'll let you think creatively about what shapes you could mold!!!) lol

The krispies shaped on popsicle sticks would make super cute favours for these events as well - just add some coloured icing sugar to highlight the shape you've chosen and wrap them in cellophane with a pretty ribbon.

My girlfriend had to hold me back from purchasing the whole Minnie cake, but I'm inspired to create my own at my next event - hope you are too!

Another suggestion for Party Planners...

So I attended a beautiful wedding recently where it was quite obvious that great care had been taken to ensure that a consistent theme was present - it was truly a black and white affair from the dresses to the table linens and favours. It was a small wedding (nine tables in total for dinner), however 4 out of the 6 people at my table had their names misspelled (mine included)! When I say misspelled, I'm not talking easy-to-make mistakes, but really obvious ones (Who spells Robert with two "b's?"!!!) Should I mention that it was more embarrassing since the bride was family?!!!

It is so important to have your final guest list revised by at least two other people in order to make sure you've done your best to avoid this little faux-pas. I realize and value the importance of delegating tasks, but whomever you choose to write or print your place cards should have access to a final, mistake-free list. It takes no time at all to forward a copy to the mother of the bride and mother of the groom to ask them to check spellings for their sides of the party.

Little things like this go a long way to pulling off one beautifully elegant, and thoughtful event!

A true etiquette FAIL!

Please tell me that this is not becoming a trend out there for Baby Showers and Bridal Showers a-like? If this has happened to you, let me apologize on the behalf of tacky organizers - and if you have been the organizer and arranged for this to be done...shame on you and promise me you won't let it happen again!!!

Chatting with some girlfriends last week, I learned of a new "shower game" going around that almost made my drink shoot out my nose! Then, this game was further discussed in a Dear Abby article in Saturday's Ottawa Citizen.

So...what is it, you're asking...get to the point Renee!!! Well, did you know that invited guests everywhere are being handed blank envelopes at showers and being asked to write their own addresses on them in an attempt to help the guest of honour (mom-to-be or bride-to-be) fill out her Thank You cards more quickly after the event?! GASP! I KNOW! I mean, if you're going this far, why not also ask them to provide stamps from their purses OR hand them a blank Thank You card in which they can write what gifts they gave and how they should be used. All the guest of honour would have to do is write "Thank You" and her name. At least then you should be almost guaranteed to receive the card within a year of the event?!

I'm sorry for the harsh rant, but what ever happened to true gratitude? Taking the time to address an envelope and write a personal message tells the guest (presumably your friend or family) just how much they mean to you and what the gift means too. They have taken the time and hard-earned money to go out and search for this gift for you, I think that deserves a little more than a "Thank you for the gift" inside their own self-addressed envelope don't you?

There's my rant for a Monday morning! Sorry ladies...had to get that one out!!!

PS. If you are missing some guests home addresses, have a cute "Guest Book" by the door and ask them to update their addresses in there while also leaving the guest of honour some sweet messages. This will be a cherished keepsake that won't offend a soul!

Stella & Dot please!

So I just got my hands on the Spring/Summer 2011 Stella and Dot Catalogue and have so many dog-eared pages (a.k.a. hint hint hints for Rob...our anniversary is coming up!)

Have you seen this jewelery ladies? Gorgeous and unique pieces that are super affordable too. They even feature a Bridal Boutique with a tonne of both delicate and strong statement pieces for the Big Day! Check out my two fave deco pieces, perfect for the Bride-to-Be. Both the bracelet and earrings would cost you under $150. Amazing!

And if you're looking for the perfect gift for your special bridesmaids, you could order these fresh water pearl earrings and necklace for around $70. There are so many other more colourful options too, so have some fun perusing online!

Know any new moms? These charm necklaces can be mixed and matched to include birthstones, nameplates and cute icons:

Are you a trendsetter always checking out what the celebs are wearing? Then you'll love this page - click here to see what Stella and Dot jewelery is making the press and being snatched up by your favourite stars!

Be sure to contact my go-to stylist: Rachela Brisindi (rbrisindi@gmail.com) to book a show or shop through her on-line boutique
And if you're looking for something fun to do in Ottawa this Saturday (June 4th), head to City View Centre in Barrhaven for the Giant Garage Sale between 8am-12pm. Rachela will be there with lots of Stella and Dot jewels for you to check out!

Happy Shopping!

Which style are you?

So this past weekend, I was in Toronto to celebrate the Baby Shower of one of my best friends and was thrilled to learn that she had booked us appointments to get our hair done. I love nothing more than knowing that I will have fabulous hair and not have to do it myself!!!

I was more thrilled when I discovered that we were hitting up one of the new trends in salons - a blow dry bar! Blo is a franchised salon whose tag line reads: "no cut, no colour, just wash, blow, go." For $30, you get a terrific wash (I say terrific because my lovely stylist went to town massaging my scalp....I think my leg starting shaking at one point?!) and then you choose from one of their signature styles to finish the look that you want to achieve for the day. Your options are Red Carpet, Executive Sweet (super straight), Hunt Club (the perfect ponytail), High Society, Holly Would, Hugs Sex and Rock and Roll, and the Boho Braid (a la Lauren Conrad)!

So what style did I choose...the Holly Would of course! Anything to get a little bounce and big curls in my pin straight locks.

I would absolutely recommend this salon - what a fun idea before a girl's night out, Bridal Shower, Baby Shower, Engagement Party or just because. What an affordable way to feel fantastic for a couple of days.

Brides-to-be, they also offer Bridal services, consultations and updos or special styles for all the ladies in your party. They will even come to you in your hotel or home. Check out all the details online here.

Say YES to the TP Dress!

It's one of those must-do games at Bridal Showers and Bachelorette Parties: how can create the best wedding dress and veil using toilet paper, right? If you find yourself constantly winning this game, you could earn a lot more than a bag of candy coated almonds!!!

Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com is having their annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress contest, which has the first place winner walking away with $1000 (USD) or a second prize of $500, or third prize of $250. Worth the couple bucks a case of toilet paper rolls will cost you, I'd say. You can use tape, glue or even your sewing machine to create your signature gown...this is serious stuff! If you've been pulling off the winning look for years by twisting and tucking the paper, imagine what you can do with glue, tape and thread!

You have from now until June 17th, 2011 to get your photos submitted to their website....so get to it!

If you're a creative lady, this is your big chance - start unrolling the paper today. Just think of all the fabulous things that you could buy with the cash prize!!! (I've already spent it all in my head)!

Click here for all the details and Happy TP-ing!

Sweet Stickers

Well it's that busy time of year for those of us in the Canadian wedding business, but I did get a chance to surf the lovely Etsy site while waiting for an appointment (Thanks for the iPhone Rob xoxo)! And although there are tonnes of amazing gems for brides and grooms alike, I wanted to share these super sweet stickers for your shoes! When you are ready to kick up your feet either with a rest or dancing later in the evening, your all too important words "I Do!" will be sparkling for all to see!

Click here to check them out. They start at $13 (USD). Note to bridesmaids - these would make a great shower gift!

Grooms, don't be too jealous - I found you some special stickers as well on WeddingStar. With options like "Heart & Sole," "Yes Dear" and "I'm Taken," you can't go wrong...just be sure to take the decals off before returning the shoes!

Wills & Kate - It's Official!

It is with a little sadness, but lots of joy that I announce that they are officially married - Wills & Kate are now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!

So I have only seen the carriage ride to Buckingham Palace...but I'm so looking forward to watching the whole ceremony after work today (with a glass or two of bubbly of course!) It was such a sweet ride, however, with the newlyweds looking so young and shy. I loved how Kate gently bowed her head everytime Wills saluted. I also loved watching Harry in the "kids" carriage!!! It looked like he was alone, and then you would see little heads bobbing around!

I was watching CBC and they had viewers posting notes on the bottom of the screen, wishing the couple well...but my favourite was a viewer in Kitchener who wrote in: "Hey Wills - send your best man my way!"

Anyways, I really loved the simplicity of Kate's dress. Designed by Sarah Burton (of House of McQueen) she looked stunning but not overdone. The train was long enough to fit royalty, but not obnoxious either! Kate's "something borrowed" today were her diamond earrings, passed to her by her parents. Her sister, Pippa, looked amazing too in her form fitting white gown...I need to look that one up too!

So I am a little sad that I can no longer obsess about this...I wonder how long until knock-offs of everything Kate's wearing will be available???

Happy Royal Wedding Day! xoxo

P.S. How amazing are these facemasks? Sweet tribute...or creepy?!!!

The BRIDESMAIDS are coming soon...

Check it out ladies - The producers of "Knocked Up" have created another sure-to-be classic movie called "Bridesmaids" and it is coming to theatres next month. Personally, I just love that Kristen Wiig; she plays the role of the Maid of Honour (or dishonour) in this film, while Melissa McCarthy plays another bridesmaid...but a rather manly-looking one (She was so much cuter as Sookie on Gilmore Girls, wasn't she?!!!)

Anyways, grab your favourite girls and head to the theatres to check this one out next month. I can't wait to see how the parties, ceremony and reception are designed and decorated - I love the lack of budget in movie weddings...they're always so over-the-top and drool-worthy too!!! I guess we'll have to wait and see!

Check out a trailer for Bridesmaids here.